Paper Windmill Theatre’s Hakka children’s play Rain Horse (雨馬) will be featured six times at the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi County, accompanied by a striking 10-meter-tall horse-shaped installation. The giant installation, measuring 10 meters high and 13 meters long, will also appear in the TEAM TAIWAN parade on March 7. The play, adapted from a picture book by Taiwanese writer Hsiao Yeh (pen name of Culture Minister Li Yuan), was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer children comfort and companionship during difficult times. It will be presented in condensed performances alongside 34 light shows throughout the festival.

The event is a collaboration between the Hakka Affairs Council and Paper Windmill Theatre, aiming to promote Hakka language and culture. Chiayi County officials expressed enthusiasm about the festival, highlighting the excitement among children and the unique joint appearance of Rain Horse with another Hakka children’s play, The Lantern Monster. The festival runs from March 3-15 outside the Chiayi County Government building and promises a joyful and memorable experience for visitors.